College of the Ozarks will break ground for The Korean War Memorial on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. at Patriots Park on the College campus. The public is invited to attend the brief ceremony.
The purpose of The Korean War Memorial is not only to honor the 944 Missourians who paid the ultimate sacrifice but to honor all 36,574 Americans who gave their lives, to pay homage to all Korean War Veterans who served their country, and to ensure that students learn about the sacrifice of so many who served in this historic conflict.
“It’s important that we never forget what these men and women did for freedom,” Bryan Cizek, director of patriotic activities said. “The Korean War was a crucial time, and if the United States had not gotten involved, that part of the world would look much different.”
About the memorial
Designed by James Hall of Nixa, Missouri, the stunning bronze monument, titled The Pain of Sacrifice, depicts a brave service member who just lost his brother in arms. This piece illustrates that war is a necessary evil; sacrifice comes with war; and war is painful, especially during loss.
Funding for the project comes from the money the College receives as the charitable beneficiary of the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge golf tournament. The College has provided volunteers for the tournament for the past four years and will participate again this year.
The generosity and support of Johnny Morris, owner and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, and the enthusiasm of the PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour also has played a key role in the development of other projects on campus. The Missouri Gold Star Families Memorial, The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lest We Forget 9/11 Memorial honor those who have sacrificed and served to keep this country safe and free.
About Patriots Park
Patriots Park at College of the Ozarks encompasses Veterans Grove and other memorials built by the College to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Veterans Grove is comprised of more than 100 sugar maple trees that honor Veterans who have traveled with C of O students on trips to historic sites.
The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located at the entrance of the College, exists to honor the fallen and properly thank Vietnam War Veterans for their sacrifice and bravery. The memorial bears the names of the 1,410 Missourians who served and died in the Vietnam War.
A new memorial was built in spring 2017, The Missouri Gold Star Families Memorial. The purpose of the memorial is to honor Gold Star Families (those who have lost immediate family members killed in their service to the country), to preserve the memory of the fallen, and stand as a stark reminder that freedom is not free.
Guests to campus are welcome to visit Patriots Park daily, from sunrise to 10 p.m.
For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.